Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster has opened up on the impact of Vincent Kompany and his mentality shift since entering the Premier League.
The Burnley striker has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the Premier League, announcing himself with two goals in his first three games.
And while they’ve yet to secure a win, Foster has been one of the bright lights for the Clarets as they look to find the winning formula with an expansive brand of football.
“Huge influence obviously, it’s evident to see he gives me a lot of chances, I’ve been playing most of the games, almost 90 minutes,” Foster said about his growth under the Premier League legend.
“So he believes in me and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with someone as accomplished as he is, not only on the football field but off it as well, so I’m just taking it a day at a time, savouring every moment.”
Having risen from the Belgian second-tier to the English top-flight in less than two years, the 23-year-old has been forced into a mentality shift in order to take his game to new heights.
However, he denies there’s a certain class in the national team where he is now the reference point due to playing at the highest level.
“I think it’s forced to [my mentality to change], I think as I moved up to that level, I had to realise it was a big step for me, the Premier League is the most-watched league, it’s up there as the most difficult league in the world.
“To be able to play there against opponents who’ve won Champions League’s and World Cup, it’s obviously things I’ve had to change in my mind.
“It’s a permanent change now on the way forward I forsee myself there for the near future at least – and coming here now I wouldn’t necessarily say [I’m a role model] but I’d like to fight as hard as I can like everyone else in the team.
“We’ve got good players, especially up front as well, we have Zakes, we have Lebo who are doing well, so we can learn from each other and other good attackers are on form as well. So I don’t think there’s a class in the national team, we try to learn from one another.”
